Peel Lightning program offers pathway for young Mandurah netballers

The initiative will see between 10 and 12 young guns selected to train alongside the Lightning's West Australian Netball League (WANL) under 20s team.

More than 75 hopeful athletes attended the first trial on Saturday, a number Peel Lightning head coach Naomi Pannell believes show's the need for netball pathways like the Bolts program.

"It shows the hunger, for sure," she said.

"Those are really encouraging numbers which tell us young netballers are crying out for a pathway that will help them reach new heights."

Those chosen to participate in the program will act as a depth team for the Lightning's under 20s squad, replacing injured players and getting their chance to showcase their skills on the WANL stage.

They will also have the opportunity to represent the Lightning at certain state competitions, while also remaining at their local clubs throughout the netball season.

Pannell said the program was a huge boon for development of both individual players and the overall sport within the Peel region.

"These sorts of initiatives help to show younger netballers what they can achieve if they stick to the sport, and that keeps them interested and on the court which is a huge win for everyone," she said.

"It also prepares them for when they are ready to achieve those heights. Lots of these girls might go on to play at the WANL level and now they will already have been in the environment.

"It's just great exposure for them to have at this time of their development and we're excited as a club to be building a base of youngsters who want to be Lightning players.

"The program is a big part of our long-term vision."

Coach development will also be a key cog in the Bolts' initiative, with Hannah Irving and Steph Bird set to mentor the train-ons.

The final cut for the Bolts squad will be announced at their second trial this coming weekend.

For more information, visit the club's Facebook page.